Dog News, Obituaries

Pelican Bay mourns passing of ISU K‑9 Leo

K-9 Leo from Pelican Bay State Prison passed away May 1 after losing a battle with cancer.
K-9 Leo from Pelican Bay State Prison passed away May 1 after losing a battle with cancer.

Pelican Bay State Prison announced the May 1, 2025, passing of active-duty Investigative Services Unit (ISU) K-9 Leo.

Badge No. 97251, K-9 Leo was a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois who lost his battle with cancer. Leo, and ISU Correctional Officer D. Fry reported to the K-9 Academy in September 2021. After successfully completing the academy, they reported for duty to Pelican Bay State Prison.

ISU Officer Fry and K-9 Leo made a major impact at the prison, with countless positive discoveries of illicit contraband. They also assisted other institutions across California as well as outside agencies. The team made a difference keeping staff and the incarcerated population safe.

“Leo was highly respected at PBSP, as well as throughout the state, and will be missed by all. Our deepest condolences are extended to the Fry family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one and partner,” according to the institution.

K-9 Leo, Badge No. 97251, born Feb. 28, 2020, End of Watch May 1, 2025.

A gathering at Pelican Bay State Prison will be held to memorialize the passing of K-9 Leo with the assistance of Honor Guard.

Submitted by Pelican Bay State Prison

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

CIM mourns loss of Catherine Sanchez, supervising cook

Catherine Sanchez, a correctional supervising cook at California Institution for Men (CIM), passed away April 23, 2026. She dedicated 26…

Shane Baker, retired correctional lieutenant

Shane Baker, a retired correctional lieutenant, has passed away. The date of his passing was not provided by the institution.…

Mike Mojarro, retired correctional sergeant

Mike Mojarro, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away April 29, 2026. Mojarro worked for the department for nearly 15 years.…

PVSP mourns passing of Pedro Longoria, staff member

Pleasant Valley State Prison is mourning the passing of Pedro Longoria, supervisor of vocational instruction. Longoria passed away April 26,…

Freddy Contreras, retired correctional officer

Freddy Contreras, a retired correctional officer, passed away April 19, 2026. He worked for the department for more than two…

Weljan Estrella, retired accountant trainee

Weljan Estrella, a retired accountant trainee, passed away April 21, 2026. Estrella worked for the department for 18 years. He…